From gorgeous boating lakes in leafy city parks to wildly beautiful natural swimming ponds, take a trip around London’s best water spots.
Discover famous outdoor spaces and hidden corners you should absolutely check out when the sun’s out!
Central London
1. The Serpentine, Hyde Park
Perhaps London’s largest and most famous lake, you’ll find the idyllic Serpentine within the lush and iconic surrounds of Hyde Park in central London. Hire a pedalo or rowing boat and sail around Heron Island, past the Serpentine Bridge and back. Then treat yourself to a well-deserved drink by the water at the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen.
Best activities: Swimming (in the Serpentine Lido), boating, scenic picnics.
Great for: First-time visitors, families, open-water swimmers.
2. Battersea Park Lake, Battersea
Take out a rowing boat or a pedalo and spend a leisurely few hours on the picturesque boating lake at Battersea Park. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, grebes and cormorants along the way. This Victorian inner-city park by the Thames is a gorgeous place to while away an afternoon, with plenty more things to see and do around the lake.
Best activities: Boating, riverside strolls, picnics.
Great for: Families, groups, couples.
3. St James’s Park Lake, Westminster
For spectacular sights and gorgeous lakeside walks, head to scenic St James’s Park Lake, another central London gem with views of Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. Seek out its famous Blue Bridge for the best views, and spot ducks, geese and even pelicans as you stroll along the lake.
Best activities: Romantic strolls, scenic picnics.
Great for: First-time visitors, families, couples.
North London
4. Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
Discover one of London’s most beloved outdoor spots with a trip to Hampstead Heath. Not only does the heath offer some of the best views and highest points in London, but it’s also home to three wildly beautiful natural ponds ideal for wild swimming: the Kenwood Ladies' Pond, the Highgate Men's Pond and the Hampstead Mixed Pond. Did we mention there’s also a lido, countless sporting activities and ancient woodlands to explore?
Best activities: Wild swimming, walking trails, nature watching.
Great for: Outdoor swimmers, nature lovers.
5. Alexandra Palace Boating Lake, Haringey
Make the most of Alexandra Palace’s gorgeous leafy setting and enjoy sweeping London views, relaxing strolls, fun water activities and plenty of entertainment. Grab a pedalo or a rowing boat to glide along the lake, before refuelling on coffee or a bite to eat at the Lakeside Cafe or The Terrace, Ally Pally’s huge beer garden with a killer view.
Best activities: Boating, scenic walks.
Great for: Families, casual boaters, couples.
6. Clissold Park Ponds, Stoke Newington
Perched on the edge of north and east London, Clissold Park is a traditional river park much loved by locals. This former country house estate first opened to the public in 1889. Today, it’s home to two charming small lakes with ducks and geese, a brand-new Splash Pad for kids, an adventure playground, tennis and basketball courts, an animal enclosure and a lovely café. It’s a great spot for families!
Best activities: Children’s activities, relaxing strolls.
Great for: Families, dog walkers.
7. Walthamstow Wetlands
Discover a stunning wildlife oasis at Walthamstow Wetlands. This Thames Water reservoir site is also an important nature reserve, providing shelter to a range of wildlife, from rare waterfowl to majestic birds of prey. Go birdwatching, admire peaceful vistas or take a walk around the 211-hectare (521-acre) site. Refuel with sandwiches, cakes and tea at the cafe, which is housed in the former Marine Engine House. There are plenty of events and activities for families too, with crafts, storytelling and nature trails.
Best activities: Birdwatching, fishing, scenic hikes, family activities.
Great for: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, families.
East London
8. Victoria Park Lakes, Tower Hamlets
Explore the picturesque lakes, canals and ponds of Victoria Park in east London, one of the capital's oldest and favourite public parks, which opened in 1845. The large open green spaces play host to big music festivals in the summer, and there are plenty of areas for outdoor fun, picnics and strolls, including a quaint model boating lake with a Chinese pagoda island and pedal boats for hire.
Best activities: Rowboats, pedalos, scenic walks, photography.
Great for: Families, casual boaters.
9. Beckton District Park North Lake, Newham
A hidden gem in east London with a small, serene lake, Beckton District Park is getting glammed up this year, as part of a major urban restoration project that will improve the park’s facilities and better support local wildlife and biodiversity around the lake. A new boat house cafe will also open and we can’t wait to check it out. The lake’s already undergone significant improvements. Visit now before word gets out!
Best activities: Birdwatching, quiet reflection.
Great for: Nature lovers.
South and West London
10. South Norwood Lake, Croydon
Head to Croydon in south London to find the charming, willow-bordered South Norwood Lake. There are plenty of activities available on and around the lake, including sailing and fishing, a bowling green, tennis and basketball courts, and a cricket pitch.
Best activities: Fishing (permit required), sailing, woodland walks, birdwatching.
Great for: Active types, families, nature lovers.
11. Wimbledon Park Lake
A popular spot for runners, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts, Wimbledon Park in south-west London is a gorgeous site to explore near Wimbledon Common. Take along a picnic to enjoy by Wimbledon Park Lake, a peaceful spot with rowing boats and all sorts of water activities, including sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Surrounded by trees, spot the swans and other birdlife that live here, or take in the scenery on a relaxing stroll by the water.
Best activities: Water sports, boating, lakeside walks.
Great for: Outdoor types, nature lovers.
12. Crystal Palace Park Lakes
Family-friendly Crystal Palace Park is full of surprises. Not only is it home to a children’s farm, a skatepark and a Victorian maze, but it also has two lakes, one for fishing and one for boating. Lower Lake (for boating) is a smaller, tranquil lake surrounded by parkland and another quirky park feature you won’t want to miss – dinosaur sculptures!
Best activities: Fishing, rowboats, pedalos, nature walks, quirky photo ops.
Great for: Families, history buffs.
13. London Wetland Centre
Get close to nature at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes, a charming village in south-west London. Run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), the centre is a nature reserve that’s home to a variety of habitats and wildlife. Spot birds, amphibians, bats, butterflies and a colony of water voles as you roam the beautiful walkways among the lakes and pools.
Best activities: Birdwatching, scenic lakeside strolls.
Great for: Animal lovers, families, day trippers.
14. Barnes Pond
While in Barnes, don’t miss the lovely Barnes Pond, a stone’s throw from the London Wetland Centre and a favourite with locals, who come here to feed the duck and watch the world go by in the most peaceful of surroundings. Bring along a picnic or buy treats from the nearby village shops, grocers and delis.
Best activities: Feeding the ducks, scenic walks, picnics.
Great for: Families, dog walkers.
Just outside London
15. Epping Forest Lakes
Take a day trip to Epping Forest and explore more than 25 lakes and ponds set in a vast woodland, including Hollow Ponds, a series of small, interconnected ponds. With a variety of paths around the forest, ponds and meadows, Epping Forest is one of Greater London's most popular parks and largest open spaces.
Best activities: Fishing, rowing, walking, wildlife spotting, woodland hikes.
Great for: Day trippers, families, nature lovers, dog walkers.
Ready for more outdoor fun inspo? Check out London’s best lidos and outdoor swimming pools, plus find the best places to go boating in London.